In response to the permanent closure, Arthur Gray, of Crane Avenue, said: "The Church Street road closure has been one of the most heated debates for the past two years when the closure was introduced.

"We have had many arguments, which has effected businesses, schools in the local community.

Read More

"And then make congestion on the A4 at Gillette Corner coming towards Isleworth.

"And now people are avoiding the Twickenham Road by coming through Worple Road Estate as a cut through. And the heavy traffic is more than normal.

"It has hit some businesses so much that they are moving from the area, another blow for local employment."

He continued: "At the height of the rush hour each day, my journey took nearly an hour to get from the A4 to my home on the Worple Road Estate, which is a few minutes from the road closure with vehicles using our estate as a rat run."

However the council says it has taken the issues raised by residents on board, including the impact on trade for businesses in the area. Road safety concerns proved unfounded, which the council put down to no change in the number of collisions in the area.

But overwhelming support from residents and environmental charities, keen to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians using the route, has led to its final decision for permanent closure.

Overall traffic levels on other local roads are broadly stable, Hounslow Council said, and the quality of the riverside conservation area is better with space for community events to take place next to the river.

Read More

Councillor Steve Curran, leader of Hounslow Council, said: “This was always going to be a difficult and contentious decision. On balance though, I believe the one we have made is right going forward.

Congestion in Church Street, Isleworth

“I would like to thank everyone, from residents and local businesses to all those in the community for or against the closure, who gave us their feedback and were involved in the trial and consultation period.

“Those against the closure can be assured that the concerns that did come up will still be looked at and we still welcome feedback so we can continue to monitor any issue that may arise once the permanent closure is in force.”